Medical garment

ABSTRACT

Embodiments herein include medical garments and related methods. In an embodiment, a medical garment can have a waist band, a front panel and a first tunnel, the waist band passing through the first tunnel, the first tunnel comprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A back panel and a second tunnel through which the waist band passes, the second tunnel comprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The first and second lateral sides of the front panel can be positioned inward toward a middle of the front panel through movement of a portion of the first tunnel relative to the waist band. The first and second lateral sides of the back panel can be positioned inward toward a middle of the back panel through movement of a portion of the second tunnel relative to the waist band. Other embodiments are also included herein.

This application is being filed as a PCT International Patentapplication on Oct. 20, 2017 in the name of COVR Medical, LLC, a U.S.national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries andHeather Loree Levy, a U.S. Citizen, and Romeo Catracchia, a U.S.Citizen, and Donald Osborn Cilley, a U.S. Citizen, inventors for thedesignation of all countries, and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/410,631, filed Oct. 20, 2016, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to medical garments and related methods.

BACKGROUND

In many cases medical care providers require close access to a patientin order to diagnose and or treat various conditions. Specifically, whena patient is seeking care, the area of the body affected a medicalcondition or disease state must frequently be examined and exposeddirectly by the care provider. As such, the patient must, in some cases,remove articles of clothing so that the care provider has adequateaccess to the areas of the body as required for proper diagnosis and/ortreatment. In some cases patient gowns, towels, drapes or blankets, canbe placed over portions of a patient's body in a temporary manner sothat, in the interest of both patient comfort and modesty, portions ofthe body are only exposed when they actually need to be exposed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments herein include medical garments and related methods. In anembodiment, a medical garment is included. The garment can have a waistband, a front panel comprising a top, the top having a width, a bottom,the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; and a second lateralside. The medical garment can further include a first tunnel, the waistband passing through the first tunnel, the first tunnel comprising afirst lateral side and a second lateral side. The medical garment canfurther include a back panel a top, the top having a width, a bottom,the bottom having a width, a first lateral side, and a second lateralside. The medical garment can further include a second tunnel, the waistband passing through the second tunnel, the second tunnel comprising afirst lateral side and a second lateral side. The first and secondlateral sides of the front panel can be positioned inward toward amiddle of the front panel through movement of a portion of the firsttunnel relative to the waist band. The first and second lateral sides ofthe back panel can be positioned inward toward a middle of the backpanel through movement of a portion of the second tunnel relative to thewaist band.

In an embodiment, a method of treating a patient is included herein. Themethod can include placing a medical garment on a patient to be treated.The medical garment can include a waist band, a front panel comprising atop, the top having a width, a bottom, the bottom having a width, afirst lateral side and a second lateral side. The medical garment caninclude a first tunnel, the waist band passing through the first tunnel,the first tunnel comprising a first lateral side and a second lateralside. The medical garment can also include a back panel including a top,the top having a width, a bottom, the bottom having a width, a firstlateral side and a second lateral side. The medical garment can alsoinclude a second tunnel, the waist band passing through the secondtunnel, the second tunnel comprising a first lateral side and a secondlateral side. The method can also include sliding a portion of the firsttunnel inward over the waist band or sliding a portion of the secondtunnel inward over the waist band, exposing an area of the patient'sskin.

In an embodiment, a medical garment is included. The medical garment caninclude a waist band, a front panel including a top, the top having awidth, a bottom, the bottom having a width, a first lateral side and asecond lateral side. The medical garment can also include a firsttunnel, the waist band passing through the first tunnel. The medicalgarment can also include a back panel including a top, the top having awidth, a bottom, the bottom having a width, a first lateral side and asecond lateral side. The first and second lateral sides of the frontpanel can be positioned through movement of a portion of the firsttunnel relative to the waist band.

In an embodiment, a method of treating a patient is included. The methodcan include placing a medical garment on a patient to be treated. Themedical garment can include a waist band, a front panel comprising atop, the top having a width, a bottom, the bottom having a width, afirst lateral side and a second lateral side. The medical garment canalso include a first tunnel, the waist band passing through the firsttunnel, a back panel comprising a top, the top having a width, a bottom,the bottom having a width, a first lateral side and a second lateralside. The method can further include sliding a portion of the firsttunnel inward over the waist band exposing an area of the patient'sskin.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustivetreatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found inthe detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will beapparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understandingthe following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form apart thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Thescope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with thefollowing drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a medical garment inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram highlighting the features of a front panelof a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram highlighting the features of a back panelof a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a front panel of a medical garmentpositioned on a patient in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a patient wearing a medical garment inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a method of treating a patient inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a medical garment inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a method for treating a patient inaccordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a medical garment in accordance withvarious embodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a portion of a waist band in accordancewith various embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein.

While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of exampleand drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particularembodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to covermodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, various embodiments are chosen anddescribed so that others skilled in the art can appreciate andunderstand the principles and practices.

All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated byreference. The publications and patents disclosed herein are providedsolely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construed as anadmission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate anypublication and/or patent, including any publication and/or patent citedherein.

As referenced above, in some cases, patients must remove articles ofclothing so that a care provider has adequate access to the areas of thebody as necessary for proper diagnosis and/or treatment. However, thiscan be a source of anxiety, discomfort, and/or embarrassment for manypatients. As such, there is substantial value in only exposing portionsof the body that are truly necessary for a given procedure whilemaintaining coverage of other parts of the body. This is a particularissue when a care provider needs access to the groin region, hip orpelvic region, or the buttocks of a patient.

Embodiments herein include medical garments that can uniquely maximizeaccess for care providers while still providing coverage to enhance apatient's comfort and modesty. In particular, various embodiments ofmedical garments herein include a feature allowing portions of a garmentto slide as desired by a care provider while still maintaining as muchcoverage of a patient's groin region, and other areas, as possible.

As used herein, the term “medical garment” shall refer to a garmentdesigned to be worn by a patient in conjunction with a medical orsurgical procedure to be performed on the patient, or designed to beworn in conjunction with pre- or post-procedural care. Medical garmentsherein are quite distinct from garments worn normally with otherclothing in various respects and therefore present completely differentdesign considerations. For example, medical garments herein allow foreasy access to areas of a patient by a care provider and include designfeatures to facilitate that functionality. However, those same featurescan be undesirable or even detrimental in the context of garmentsdesigned for normal everyday wear. For example, the ability of a portionof a garment to slide in along a waistband could lead to uncomfortablebunching in the context of a garment worn under pants or other articlesof clothing in the course of a normal day.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view is shown of amedical garment 100 in accordance with various embodiments herein. Themedical garment 100 can include a waist band 102, a front panel 104, anda back panel 106. The front panel 104 can include a top 108, a bottom110, a first lateral side 112, and a second lateral side 114. The backpanel 106 can include a top 116, a bottom 118, a first lateral side 120,and a second lateral side 122. Medical garment 100 can include a firsttunnel 124 at the top 108 of front panel 104 at and a second tunnel 128at the top 116 of back panel 106. Medical garment 100 can also include awaist opening 152 bounded around the circumference by waist band 102.The tunnels can be formed in various ways. In some embodiments, a topportion of a front or back panel is looped over and then sewn back ontoitself, forming an integral tunnel-like area through which a waist bandcan pass. However, on other embodiments, a separate piece of materialcontaining a passage or tunnel there through can be sewn onto the frontor back panels.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram is shown highlighting thefeatures of the front panel 104 of medical garment 100 in accordancewith various embodiments herein. The first tunnel 124 can include afirst lateral side 130 and a second lateral side 132. The waist band 102can pass through first lateral side 130 and second lateral side 132 ofthe first tunnel 124. The top 108 of front panel 104 has a width 138when the first lateral side 112 and second lateral side 114 of frontpanel 104 are fully extended in an outward-most configuration.Similarly, the bottom 110 of front panel 104 has a width 140 when thefirst lateral side 112 and second lateral side 114 of front panel 104are fully extended in an outward-most configuration.

In some embodiments, medical garment 100 can include a connection point126 at a middle position of the top 108 of the front panel 104 wherewaist band 102 can be secured within the first tunnel 124. Connectionpoint 126 can serve to prevent movement of the first tunnel 124 relativeto the waist band 102 at a middle position of the first tunnel 124,while also allowing the lateral sides (130, 132) of the first tunnel 124to slide over the waist band 102. In this manner, connection point 126can prevent the panel (front or back) from becoming totally dislocatedwith regard to the waist band 102, regardless of how the lateral sides(130, 132) are moved with respect to the waist band 102.

In some embodiments, the first tunnel 124 is integral with the frontpanel 104. In some embodiments, the bottom 110 of the front panel 104 isconnected to the bottom 118 of the back panel 106. In some embodiments,the bottom 110 of the front panel 104 is integral with the bottom 118 ofthe back panel 106. However, in other embodiments, the bottom 110 of thefront panel 104 is not integral with the bottom 118 of the back panel106. In some embodiments, an elastic material can be disposed along thefirst lateral side 112 and the second lateral side 114 of the frontpanel 104. In some embodiments, the front panel 104 defines a pouch.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram is shown highlightingvarious features of the back panel 106 of medical garment 100 inaccordance with various embodiments herein. The second tunnel 128 caninclude a first lateral side 134 and a second lateral side 136. Thewaist band 102 can pass through the first lateral side 134 and secondlateral side 136 of the second tunnel 128. The top 116 of back panel 106has a width 142 when the first lateral side 120 and second lateral side122 of back panel 106 are fully extended in an outward-mostconfiguration. Similarly, the bottom 118 of back panel 106 has a width144 when the first lateral side 120 and second lateral side 122 of backpanel 106 are fully extended in an outward-most configuration.

The openings created by the first and second lateral sides (112, 114) ofthe front panel 104, and the first and second lateral sides (120, 122)of the back panel 106 can create leg openings 154 on a first and secondlateral side of the medical garment 100, the top border of the legopenings 154 being defined by waist band 102 as shown in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the second tunnel 128 is integral with the backpanel 106. In some embodiments, medical garment 100 can include aconnection point at the top of the back panel 106 where waist band 102can be secured as it passes through the second tunnel 128. A connectionpoint at the top of the back panel 106 can serve to prevent movement ofthe second tunnel 128 relative to the waist band 102 at a middleposition of the second tunnel 128, while also allowing the lateral sides(134, 136) of the second tunnel 128 to slide over the waist band 102.

In some embodiments, an elastic material is disposed along the firstlateral side 120 and the second lateral side 122 of the back panel 106.In some embodiments, the top width 142 of the back panel 106 is largerthan the top width 138 of the front panel 104 when the lateral sides 120and 122 of the back panel 106 and the lateral sides 112 and 114 of thefront panel 104 are positioned in an outward-most configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram is shown of the front panel104 of medical garment 100 positioned on a patient in accordance withvarious embodiments herein. Shown at 146, the first lateral side 112 andsecond lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 can be positioned inwardtoward a middle of the front panel through movement of a portion of thefirst lateral side 130 or second lateral side 132 of first tunnel 124relative to the waist band 102. Similarly, shown at 148, the firstlateral side 112 and second lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 canbe positioned toward an outward-most configuration of the front panelthrough movement of a portion of the first lateral side 130 or secondlateral side 132 of first tunnel 124 relative to the waist band 102.Likewise, the first lateral side 120 and second lateral side 122 of theback panel 106 can be positioned inward toward a middle of the backpanel 106 or toward an outward-most configuration through movement of aportion of the first lateral side 134 or second lateral side 136 ofsecond tunnel 128 relative to the waist band 102. (Not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a schematic view is shown of a patient 200wearing medical garment 100 in accordance with various embodimentsherein. FIG. 5 shows the first lateral side 112 of the front panel 104positioned at an inward-most configuration, while the second lateralside 114 of the front panel 104 is positioned at an outward-mostconfiguration. It will be appreciated that first lateral sides 112 and114 can be positioned in any number of positions between a fullyextended, outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-mostconfiguration depending on the access needs of the physician. Similarly,with respect to the back panel 106, first lateral sides 120 and 122 canbe positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended,outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-mostconfiguration.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an illustration is shown of a method 300 oftreating a patient 200 in accordance with various embodiments herein.Method 300 can include placing a medical garment 100 on a patient 200 tobe treated at option 302. The medical garment 100 can include a waistband 102, a front panel 104 having a first tunnel 124, and a back panel106 having a second tunnel 128 in accordance with various embodimentsherein. Method 300 can include sliding a portion of the first tunnel 124inward over the waist band 102 and/or sliding a portion of the secondtunnel 128 inward over the waist band 102 at option 304, exposing anarea of the skin of patient 200. For ease of illustration, FIG. 6 showsa single side of the garment being slid inward. However, it will beappreciated that in various embodiments herein, both sides can be slidinward, either simultaneously or sequentially (it will be appreciatedthat this also applies to the depiction in FIG. 8 as well as otherembodiments herein).

Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic perspective view is shown of amedical garment 400 in accordance with various embodiments herein.Medical garment 400 can include a waist band 102, a front panel 104, anda back panel 106. Front panel 104 can include a top 108, a bottom 110, afirst lateral side 112, and a second lateral side 114. Back panel 106can include a top 116, a bottom 118, a first lateral side 120, and asecond lateral side 122. Medical garment 400 can include a first tunnel124 at the top 108 of front panel 104. The first and second lateralsides (112, 114) of the front panel 104 can be positioned throughmovement of a portion of the first tunnel 124 relative to the waist band102. Medical garment 400 can include a waist opening 152 bounded aroundthe circumference by waist band 102.

The top 116 of back panel 106 can be connected to the waist band at seam150. In some embodiments, the top 116 of back panel 106 can beirremovably connected such as by a sewn seam. In some embodiments, thetop 116 of back panel 106 can be removably connected such as through asnap, button, zipper, hook-and-loop, or touch fastener connection point.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an illustration of a method 500 for treating apatient 200 is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein.Method 500 can include placing a medical garment 400 on a patient to betreated at option 502. The medical garment 400 can include a waist band102, a front panel 104 having a first tunnel 124, and a back panel 106in accordance with various embodiments herein. Method 500 can includesliding a portion of the first tunnel 124 inward over the waist band 102at option 504, exposing an area of the skin of patient 200. The distanceof sliding can vary. In some embodiments the portion of the first tunnelcan be slid about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0,7.0, 8.0 or 9.0 inches. In various embodiments, the portion of the firsttunnel can be slide a distance in a range wherein any of the foregoingnumbers can serve as the upper or lower bound of the range, such thatthe upper bound is greater than the lower bound.

In some embodiments, the medical garments can be designed to berelatively high-waisted. A high-waisted medical garment as describedherein can allow for relatively unfettered access to the hip, groin,pelvic or other area, and/or facilitate patient preparation, during orprior to a medical procedure. Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic viewis shown of a medical garment 900 in accordance with various embodimentsherein. The medical garment 900 can have a width 902 and a height 904.In some embodiments, the medical garment 900 can have a width to heightratio of at least about 1.0:1.0; or 1.0:1.25; or 1.0:1.5; or 1.0:1.75;or 1.0:2.0; or 1.0:2.25; or 1.0:2.5; or 1.0:2.75; or 1.0:3.0. In someembodiments, the width to height ratio can be in a range wherein any ofthe foregoing ratios can serve as the upper or lower bound of the range,provided the upper bound is larger than the lower bound.

Medical Garment Material

Medical garments having a front panel and a back panel in accordancewith various embodiments herein can be formed of various types ofmaterials. The medical garments can be formed from soft, moisturewicking fabrics such as synthetic fibers like polyester, polypropylene,and the like. The fabrics used to create the medical garment can be madefrom woven or non-woven fibers and/or other materials. In someembodiments the fabric can be knitted, but in other embodimentsnon-knitted. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be made withan additional piece of liner material sewn into the crotch region. Insome embodiments, the medical garment can be made of non-latexmaterials. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be made ofnon-metallic materials. In some embodiments, the medical garment can bemade of any color material. In some embodiments, lead can be added tothe medical garment for radiation protection, such as a sheet of leadthat can be used in conjunction with other materials described herein.

In some embodiments, the medical garments can be made as a single use,disposable item. However, in other embodiments, it can be a reusableitem. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be packaged in anindividually wrapped and sealed package. In some embodiments, themedical garment can be individually packaged and sterilized before use.However, in some embodiments, the medical garment(s) can be packaged ingroups (e.g., multi-unit packs) instead of individually wrapped.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the medical garmentsdescribed herein may be covered with various types of coatings. In someembodiments the coating may be an antimicrobial coating such asMICROBAN® antimicrobial coatings. In some embodiments, the medicalgarments embodied herein can be coated with any number of flameretardant materials. In some embodiments, the medical garments embodiedherein can be coated with a liquid-repellant material. In someembodiments, the medical garments embodied herein can be coated with amaterial to reduce possible skin irritation.

Waist Band

It will be appreciated that the waist bands in accordance with variousembodiments herein can encircle the entire circumference of the medicalgarment. In some embodiments, the waist band can form a continuous loopabout the top of the medical garment. In some embodiments, the waistband can be associated with but not physically connected to the front orback panels of the medical garment, such that it passes freely throughthe first and second channels of the front and back panels of themedical garment forming a non-anchored loop. In some embodiments, thewaist bands can be connected to the first or second panel of the medicalgarment with a sewn connection point. In some embodiments, the waistbands can be removably connected to the first and second panel through asnap, button, zipper, hook-and-loop, or touch fastener connection point.

Waist bands in accordance with the medical garments embodied herein canbe made of various elastomeric materials. In some embodiments, the waistbands can be made of nylon elastomer, polyester elastomer, spandex,elastomer blends, and the like. In some embodiments, the waist band caninclude polymeric soft loops on the inside and/or outside surfaces ofthe waist band. Such polymer soft loops can be, for example, those foundin hook-and-loop fasteners. One example of a hook-and-loop fastenersthat can be used in various embodiments are commercially available underthe VELCRO® brand. However, it should be clarified that VELCRO® productstypically include one side which contains the loops and another sidethat contains the hooks. For purposes herein, it is the portioncontaining the loops that is usefully applied

While not intending to be bound by theory, it has been found that whenelastomeric soft loops are disposed on the outside surface of the waistband, they can provide a moderate resistance against the medical garmentmaterial to keep the first and second lateral sides of the first tunnelor second tunnel from freely sliding along the waist band during aprocedure. As such, the loops can provide a degree of resistance toportions of the lateral sides sliding along the waist band while stillallowing for sliding to occur. In some embodiments, the loops have alength of about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm or longer. In some embodiments, theloops stick directly outward from the outside surface of the waistband.The elastomeric soft loop waist band can be single faced, having loopsonly on one side of the waist band, or it can be double faced, havingloops on both sides of the waist band.

In some embodiments, the waistband can form a continuous, unbroken loopof material. However, in other embodiments, the waistband can includeone or more points where the waistband can be selectively separated tointroduce a gap or otherwise open the waistband. Those points caninclude a fastener to keep the waistband together as desired. Suchfasteners can include, but are not limited to, VELCO®, hooks, snaps, andthe like.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a schematic view is shown of a portion of awaist band 102 in accordance with various embodiments herein. The waistband 102 can include a plurality of loops 1042 (such as polymeric orother fiber loops). Referring now to FIG. 11, a side cross-sectionalschematic view is shown of a portion of a waist band 102 in accordancewith various embodiments herein. The waist band 102 can include a corematerial 1150 (such as an elastic fibrous material) and has an innersurface 1152 and an outer surface 1154. The loops 1042 can be disposedon the outer surface 1154. However, in some embodiments, loops can alsobe disposed on the inner surface 1152. For example, inner loops 1043 canbe disposed on the inner surface 1152.

In some embodiments, where loops are on both sides of the waistband, theouter and inner loops can be of the same size or can be of differentsizes. In particular, in some embodiments, loops on the inner surface ofthe waistband can be smaller than loops on the outer surface of thewaistband. In some embodiments, loops can be at least about 0.1, 0.2,0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5,or 5 millimeters in height (e.g., in the direction perpendicular fromthe inner or outer surface of the waistband). In some embodiments, theloop height can be in a range wherein any of the foregoing can serve asthe upper or lower bound of the range, provide that the upper bound islarger than the lower bound.

It will be appreciated that the elastomeric waist bands embodied hereincan be designed to have substantial dimensional elasticity. The termdimensional elasticity refers to the degree to which a material canstretch in a particular dimension. Dimensional elasticity herein can bemeasured by comparing the size of a waist band when no force is appliedto the maximum size (fully expanded configuration) the waistband canassume with force applied, but without causing permanent damage As such,a waistband that is nominally 30 inches with no force applied, but thatcan reach a maximum size of 60 inches without sustaining permanentdamage when force is applied has 100% dimensional elasticity. In someembodiments, the elastomeric waist bands can be designed to have about25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250%, 275%, or 300%dimensional elasticity. In some embodiments, the elastomeric waist bandsherein can have a dimensional elasticity in a range wherein any of theforgoing numbers can serve as the upper or lower bound of the range,provided that the upper bound is larger than the lower bound. While notintending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the relatively highdimensional elasticity of waist bands facilitates the use of suchgarments in surgical contexts where movement of the garment by a careprovider is highly desirable. The relatively high dimensional elasticityof waist bands herein make the medical garments herein substantiallydifferent than normal garments. In some embodiments, the dimensionalelasticity is from about 75% to about 200%.

It will be appreciated that the waist bands embodied herein can be madeof woven or non-woven materials. In some embodiments, the waist band canbe made of non-latex materials. In some embodiments, the waist band canbe made of non-metallic materials. In some embodiments, the waist bandcan be made of any color material.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the waist bandsdescribed herein may be covered with various types of coatings. In someembodiments the coating may be an antimicrobial coating such asMICROBAN® antimicrobial coatings. In some embodiments, the waist bandsembodied herein can be coated with any number of flame retardantmaterials.

Garment Sizing

It will be appreciated that the medical garments described herein can bemade to fit a wide range of body types and sizes. For example, themedical garments described herein can be made to accommodate almost anywaist size. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be sized tofit individuals having a waist of less than 24 inches. In someembodiments, the medical garments can be sized to fit individuals havinga waist of between 24 inches to 30 inches. In some embodiments, themedical garments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist ofbetween 31 inches to 37 inches. In some embodiments, the medicalgarments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist of between 38inches to 44 inches. In some embodiments, the medical garments can besized to fit individuals having a waist of greater than 44 inches.

It will be appreciated that the medical garments embodied herein can beunisex in nature and designed to fit patients of all ages. The medicalgarments embodied herein can be designed to provide full coverage to thegroin or bikini area of a patient undergoing a procedure, while alsoproviding unrestricted access to a physician performing a procedure onthat patient.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture oftwo or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” isgenerally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus,or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase“configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases suchas arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed,manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated by reference.

Aspects have been described with reference to various specific andpreferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understoodthat many variations and modifications may be made while remainingwithin the spirit and scope herein.

1. A medical garment comprising: a waist band; a front panel comprisinga top, the top having a width, a bottom, the bottom having a width; afirst lateral side; and a second lateral side; a first tunnel, the waistband passing through the first tunnel, the first tunnel comprising afirst lateral side and a second lateral side; a back panel comprising atop, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; afirst lateral side; and a second lateral side; a second tunnel, thewaist band passing through the second tunnel, the second tunnelcomprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side; wherein thefirst and second lateral sides of the front panel can be positionedinward toward a middle of the front panel through movement of a portionof the first tunnel relative to the waist band; and wherein the firstand second lateral sides of the back panel can be positioned inwardtoward a middle of the back panel through movement of a portion of thesecond tunnel relative to the waist band.
 2. The medical garment ofclaim 1, further comprising an elastic material disposed along the firstlateral side and the second lateral side of the front panel.
 3. Themedical garment of claim 1, further comprising an elastic materialdisposed along the first lateral side and the second lateral side of theback panel.
 4. The medical garment of claim 1, wherein the first tunnelis connected to the waist band to prevent movement of the first tunnelrelative to the waistband at a middle position of the first tunnel, butallowing the lateral sides of the first tunnel to slide over the waistband.
 5. The medical garment of claim 1, wherein the second tunnel isconnected to the waist band to prevent movement of the second tunnelrelative to the waistband at a middle position of the second tunnel, butallowing the lateral sides of the second tunnel to slide over the waistband.
 6. The medical garment of claim 1, wherein the top width of theback panel is larger than the top width of the front panel when thelateral sides of both the back panel and the front panel are positionedin an outward-most configuration.
 7. The medical garment of claim 1,wherein the first tunnel is integral with the front panel.
 8. Themedical garment of claim 1, wherein the second tunnel is integral withthe back panel.
 9. The medical garment of claim 1, wherein the bottom ofthe front panel is connected to the bottom of the back panel.
 10. Themedical garment of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the front panel isintegral with the bottom of the back panel.
 11. The medical garment ofclaim 1, the front panel defining a pouch.
 12. A method of treating apatient comprising: placing a medical garment on a patient to betreated, the medical garment comprising: a waist band; a front panelcomprising a top, the top having a width, a bottom, the bottom having awidth; a first lateral side; and a second lateral side; a first tunnel,the waist band passing through the first tunnel, the first tunnelcomprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side; a back panelcomprising a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having awidth; a first lateral side; and a second lateral side; a second tunnel,the waist band passing through the second tunnel, the second tunnelcomprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side; and sliding aportion of the first tunnel inward over the waist band or sliding aportion of the second tunnel inward over the waist band, exposing anarea of the patient's skin.
 13. A medical garment comprising: a waistband; a front panel comprising a top, the top having a width, a bottom,the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; and a second lateralside; a first tunnel, the waist band passing through the first tunnel; aback panel comprising a top, the top having a width; a bottom, thebottom having a width; a first lateral side; and a second lateral side;wherein the first and second lateral sides of the front panel can bepositioned through movement of a portion of the first tunnel relative tothe waist band.
 14. The medical garment of claim 13, further comprisingan elastic material disposed along the first lateral side and the secondlateral side of the front panel.
 15. The medical garment of claim 13,further comprising an elastic material disposed along the first lateralside and the second lateral side of the back panel.
 16. The medicalgarment of claim 13, wherein the first tunnel is connected to the waistband to prevent movement of the first tunnel relative to the waistbandat a middle position of the first tunnel, but allowing the lateral sidesof the first tunnel to slide over the waist band.
 17. The medicalgarment of claim 13, wherein the top width of the back panel is largerthan the top width of the front panel when the lateral sides of both thefront panel are positioned in an outward-most configuration.
 18. Themedical garment of claim 13, wherein the first tunnel is integral withthe front panel.
 19. The medical garment of claim 13, wherein the bottomof the front panel is attached to the bottom of the back panel.
 20. Themedical garment of claim 13, wherein the top of the back panel isconnected to the waist band.
 21. The medical garment of claim 13,wherein the bottom of the front panel is integral with the bottom of theback panel.
 22. The medical garment of claim 13, the front paneldefining a pouch.
 23. (canceled)